Taking his total of TT wins to seven, Michael Rutter made it five TT Zero victories today along the way setting a new class lap record of 121.91 mph, nigh on the first 122 mph plus lap by an electric machine on the Mountain Course.
Race leader at the first timing point at Glen Helen, the evergreen Rutter was never headed as he increased Mugen’s tally of TT Zero wins to six.
Mugen team mate John McGuinness, claimed his 47th TT podium finish, in finishing second 8.566 behind Rutter, whilst Team Mirai’s Ian Lougher made a popular return to the TT rostrum finishers circle.
Photo by Nick Wheeler
Remaining riders from the seven rider entry to complete the one lap race, with Davey Todd and Alun Thomas retiring out of contention, were University of Bath’s Matt Rees, Brunel University’s AJ Venter and the Duffy Motorsport duo of Mike Norbury and Shaun Anderson.
Overall a decent TT Zero race, but it has to be said again with entry numbers so small, lower than within the 1907 Single Cylinder TT, you can see why people continuously pose the question, about this race been considered a TT victory.
You have to admire the technology, the innovation, the drive for the next big breakthrough in motorcycling, but were is the increase in manufacturer involvement, were is the higher entry numbers.
The potential for the class is unlimited, and it’s up to the TT organisers to make the right changes to help make the TT Zero class more creditable in terms of considering it a race win at what is for many, the greatest motorsport event in the world.
Words by Stevie Rial